Robinson, William 'Bill' I.

one great-great grandchild; and seven step great-grandchildren.

William was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Irene; his parents; stepfather, Glenn Rummelhart; brother, Kenneth; a grandson; a great-granddaughter; and a great-grandson.

William was born April 13, 1923, in Iowa City, the son of James Taylor and Nellie Mae (Hogan) Robinson. William honorably served his country with the United States Army during the World War II Asiatic-Pacific Campaign and the Philippine Liberation. He married Irene M. Phelps on May 28, 1946, at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Iowa City.

William was a longtime parishioner of St. Patrick Catholic Church in Cedar Rapids where he served as an usher, served on the board of directors, and as a football coach in the mid 1960s. William retired from Prudential Insurance in May 1983. His first year with Prudential he was named national “Rookie of the Year.”

William's greatest joy was the time spent with his family as well as time spent in his garden and wood shop. His tomatoes were the envy of the neighborhood. William was an avid Hawkeye and Cubs fan. He was a devoted wonderful husband, father, and grandfather with a gentle heart, a great sense of humor and will be deeply missed.

A sincere thank you to Emeritus at Silver Pines for the care and compassion given to William (Cookie Bill) during his time there and for making our family a part of yours. Also to Jenny, Sally and Cynthia with Hospice of Mercy and the staff at the Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy for the care and compassion give to our dad and the compassion and comfort you gave his family in his final days. A sincere thank you to Penny Ackerman from St. Patrick Catholic Church for her care and compassion for William and his family.

Memorials may be directed to Hospice of Mercy.

Online condolences may be left for the family at .

Published in The Gazette Aug. 5, 2012.